I'm #thankfulfor my extended family

As an only child, it has always been Daddy, Mother and me. It has been the three of us for as long as I can remember, meaning we were each other's worlds, but I've never felt as though I was from a small family. For as much as my earliest memories are of my parents, they also include several members of my extended family.

I'm #thankfulfor my grandparents (now deceased), aunts, uncles and cousins, they love me as daughter and sister.

Honor Roll of Family
Lucy, George, Reava, Pauline, Ellsworth, Louise, Brewster, Melvin, Ollie, Clarence, Rubin, Dot, Jackie, Joe, Sean, David, Rod and Tony.

Thank you!!!!

My Life

It is mine and I'm taking control...right here, right now.

My parents had 0-21.
They gave me life, taught, raised, nurtured, supported, fed, clothed, housed, exposed and loved me.

I willingly gave 21-29 to Harper, Jarvis and Patrick.
They took, used, mistreated and left me.

I willingly gave 30-39 to Ronald and Marvin.
They made me laugh, loved me in their own way and left me.

I'm willing to give him 40-until.
He will love, respect, value, appreciate, make love to me.

because they couldn't

I graduated from college because so many weren't allowed to learn to read & write
I went to church this morning because Betty will never go again
I own my own home because others had been locked out
I own rental property because my parents dreamed of owning some
I voted for Barack Obama on election day because my grandparents couldn't
I go to work Monday - Friday because my father worked everyday
I willingly serve others because millions were forced to do it
and I live because they lived

So many things I take for granted, I try not to. It is my desire to be thankful, grateful, appreciative of everyone, everyone, everyone and everything in my life. I know it doesn't have to be this way; I know my blessings are from God; I know that it is only God's grace, mercy, love, care, kindness and compassion that gives me breath every second of every day.